Lot 627

Alwar State – Maharaja Sir Tej Singh Prabhakar (17 March 1911 – 15 February 2009), Gold-plated silver royal badge in the form of radiating sun rays, Gold-plated Silver Badge, 38.85 gms, 71.20x77.90 mm, surmounted by a royal dome (chatri/crown) and centered with a glass-covered portrait of the ruler. A blue enamel scroll bears the Devanagari motto "आत्म सतत वृद्धि" (Ātma Satat Vṛddhi), meaning "Continuous Self-Development" or "Perpetual Self-Progress." The reverse retains its original pin and clasp. An attractive and uncommon example of Indian princely state ceremonial insignia, combining fine silver workmanship, gold plating, and enamel decoration, Maharaja Sir Tej Singh Prabhakar was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Alwar in Rajasthan. A member of the Naruka Rajput dynasty, he ascended the throne on 22 July 1937 and ruled until the accession of Alwar to the Indian Union in 1947. Following Independence, he continued as the titular Maharaja until the formal abolition of royal titles and privy purses by the Government of India in 1971. His reign marked the final chapter in the history of Alwar's princely state under the Naruka dynasty. 

Note on Identification: The badge is attributed to Alwar State based on the visual comparison of the jewellery and ornaments worn by the portrait with those seen in documented photographs of the Maharajas of Alwar. It is also reasonable to consider that such ceremonial jewellery and ornaments may have been passed down and reused by successive generations of the royal family. On this basis, we have attributed the portrait to the Alwar State; however, this attribution is not stated as definitive. An alternative opinion has been received from a veteran and experienced collector suggesting that the portrait visible beneath the glass shield may instead be that of Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. This alternative attribution is presented solely as an opinion for the consideration of prospective buyers. The identification of the state, ruler, or portrait remains at the sole discretion and jurisdiction of the buyer. The sale shall be considered final, and no refund, return, cancellation, or claim shall be entertained on the basis of any difference of opinion regarding the identification or attribution of the state or portrait. very fine, rare.